Video:Quinton Coples returns to Jets practiceThe Jets got an encouraging sign Monday, when they returned to the practice field for the first time since Thursday night’s 13-10 loss at New England. Rush outside linebacker Quinton Coples, who is expected to be a big part of the Jets’ defense but missed the first two games with a right ankle injury, was dressed for (and participating in) practice for the first time since getting hurt. (Video by William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

The Jets got an encouraging sign Monday, when they returned to the practice field for the first time since Thursday night’s 13-10 loss at New England.

Rush outside linebacker Quinton Coples, who is expected to be a big part of the Jets’ defense but missed the first two games with a right ankle injury, was dressed for (and participating in) practice for the first time since getting hurt.

Coples participated on a limited basis during the portion of practice open to reporters (the first 30 minutes or so). He did some light jogging and footwork drills with trainers on the sideline.

Coples reportedly sustained a hairline fracture in the Aug. 17 preseason game against Jacksonville and was expected to miss three to four weeks. Last Saturday was the four-week mark since his injury, which required a “medical procedure,” as the Jets termed it.

Garrett McIntyre and Antwan Barnes have been splitting time in the absence of Coples, who was the Jets’ top pick in the 2012 draft (No. 16 overall). Coples wasn’t a regular starter last season, when he started two games and had 5½ sacks as a defensive end. He was moved this season to rush linebacker spot, and will still play on the edge of the line fairly often, but will also have to drop into pass coverage sometimes.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said Friday that he was looking forward to getting Coples back soon, but didn’t say if Coples might return for the Jets’ next game, Sunday at home against Buffalo. Ryan’s defense has performed fairly well without Coples, and currently ranks fourth in the NFL with 482 yards allowed through two games.

“We’ve got to get Coples back,” Ryan said Friday. “I think that’s going to really help us. By the end of the year, this team, it could be pretty salty on defense. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

Some other notes from Monday’s practice …

** Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, the Jets’ best player on either side of the ball, injured his right ankle at New England. He was at practice Monday. During the portion open to the media, he did light jogging on the sideline with Coples, and then participated in some position drills, while Coples sat out position work.

** Nose tackle Kenrick Ellis is working his way back from a back injury and has been limited through two games. He was on an exercise bike Monday.

** Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley missed the New England game with a concussion sustained in the season-opening win over Tampa Bay. He wore a red (non-contact) jersey at Monday’s practice and fielded punts – a duty that fell to cornerback Kyle Wilson in the Patriots game. Ryan said Friday he wasn’t sure about Kerley’s status for Week 3 against Buffalo.

** Rob Malone and Ryan Quigley competed for the Jets’ punting job in the preseason. Malone won it, but after two uneven games, the Jets released him Monday and signed Quigley. Malone averaged 48.4 yards in the season opener and just 44.6 on nine punts at New England.

** The Jets on Saturday placed quarterback Mark Sanchez (shoulder) on injured reserve with designation to return. He can’t practice until the week of the Nov. 3 game against New Orleans, but he can watch practice and participate in team meetings. He arrived at practice Monday just as the portion open to reporters ended. Linebacker Scott Solomon has taken Sanchez’s place on the active roster. The Jets signed Solomon on Monday.